The Most Dangerous Time in a Relationship

The murder of the University of Virginia senior Yeardley Love was shocking and horrifying. And as details are uncovered about George Huguely, her ex-boyfriend and alleged killer, it becomes clear that this might be another case of breakup rage. According to some reports, Huguely has a violent past and was described as "obsessive" of Love. And the New York Daily News reported that after the couple ended things, a "friend said Huguely had been seen breaking bottles at another party before Love's death and had told people he was going to her apartment to get Love back."

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You might have read some of the pieces we've done on this specific type of dating violence—when rejection triggers a guy's rage. Just last year, we reported on the brutal killing of a Gettysburg College student named Emily Silverstein. Her ex-boyfriend admitted to the crime. He has since filed a notice with the court for an insanity defense and will go to trial next month, according to one report.

But unlike Huguely, Emily's ex didn't have a violent streak or a history of lashing out at women. And it's important to remember that even if a guy seems caring during a relationship, the period after a breakup can be an incredibly dangerous time.

Since breakup rage can be very hard to predict, it's important to look carefully for the signs that a guy could snap. They include possessiveness, sudden personality shifts, and suicidal comments. You can read all of them here.

Have you ever experienced breakup rage or ever had a friend fall victim to it?